Valley Forge Middle School PTO

Parent-Teacher Organization for VFMS

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The meeting began at 1:00 pm.

In attendance were Bridget Tomasicchio, Kathy Wynn, Jo Howarth, Elizabeth Castleman, and Lisa Davis.

Welcome

Bridget welcomed Sarah Culbert and Natalie Sudall to our meeting. They are interested in joining the PTO board for 2013-2014. Natalie would be looking at the Treasurer position and Sarah is interested in the position of President.

Principal Update – Matt Gibson

Matt reported the Fitness Fair was a big hit. The physical education teachers will meet with Matt to discuss things they would like to improve upon for next year but overall there was very positive feedback. They are even considering offering a fall and spring fair next year. The 5th and 6th grade participation was much higher than the 7th and 8th.

VFMS is working with TE and Radnor to bring a nationally known speaker on bullying to our school. The program is Ryan’s Story. The speaker’s son committed suicide after being the target of bullying in his school. The program will be for the 6th and 7th grade students at VFMS on May 9th. There will be a parent presentation at Radnor Middle School on either May 8th or 9th – a blast will be sent out when the date is finalized.

The Keystone Exams will begin soon for Algebra. All students currently taking Algebra 1 will be taking the Keystone this year. Those students who took the course in 7th grade last year will take the Keystone at the end of their 9th grade.

Gifts to school update – The teleprompter for the TV Studio will cost $700. The Robotic equipment will cost $2300. Many clubs are looking to enter competitions (Lego, Robotics, Future Cities). This raised the question of how to fund the competition when it goes beyond the local level. Matt would like to explore further the impact of the competitions. Some other ideas explored for gifts to school are library furniture, Student Council furniture, Robotic Club competition fund, sports uniforms, and microwaves in the cafeteria.

A few staff and teachers retiring: Cynthia Johnson and Diane DiFerdinando,

The question of outsourcing the janitorial and administrative staff remains open but should be decided in the next one or two school board meetings.

There are major events going on each week until the end of the year – please check the website for updates. A few important dates:

  • May 15: 5th & 6th grade concert
  • May 23: 7th & 8th grade concert
  • May 17: Valley Forge Relays
  • June 6th & 7th : 8th Grade Sandy Hill Trip

Board Updates – Bridget

Two board positions that are still in need of volunteers for next year are VP of Fundraising and Secretary. Fundraising has several spots in need of chairs including, Directories and Spirit Wear.

The immediate need is to find someone to handle Directory proof reading and sales for the fall. Bridget will send out a Blast to see if anyone is interested.

Bridget would like to explore a few new volunteer spots for next year. One position would be in charge of the PTO website and the other position involves the direct donation program. TEMS has a small committee to handle their direct donation which may be the most efficient way to handle the large mailing at our school.

The Parent Social is this Saturday.

Next Meeting

Bridget would like to host a luncheon at her home for our last meeting of the year. The meeting would serve to thank all the chairs leaving and welcome all the new chairs. In addition, Bridget would like to invite any incoming 5th grade parents to attend if they are interested in getting involved in the PTO or any other volunteer opening at the school.

The meeting is set for May 30th at 1:00 pm.